Sonnenland Draisinentour
The Draisinentour (hand-powered tour) is a special program during which participants can travel along former railway lines on human-powered rail bicycles (draysines) through picturesque landscapes.
The tour is approx. 23 km long, in the Austrian province of Burgenland, which runs between the historic Oberpullendorf (Upper Pullendorf) and Horitschon/Neckenmarkt (Haracsony/Sopronnyék) railway stations on an abandoned railway line. During the tour, you can cycle on pedal-powered draisines (railway engines) through picturesque countryside, past vineyards, sunflower fields, forests and charming villages.
What is worth knowing about this section?- Length and time: The entire route is approx. 23 km, which can be covered by a draisine in approx. It can be done in 2–2.5 hours (without stops), but if you count rest stops, attractions and restaurants, it can be a program of up to 3–5 hours.
- Direction of transport: The carriages only travel in one direction at a time – from Horitschon to Oberpullendorf on even days, and from Oberpullendorf to Horitschon on odd days.
- Landscape and attractions: The tour leads through romantic, sunny landscapes, passing vineyards, fields, forests and small villages. There are several rest stops and 3 catering stations along the way, where you can taste local food, wine, coffee and cakes.
- Return journey: Since the tour is one-way, the return journey is usually solved by shuttle buses or other transport options (e.g. bus or taxi).
- The carriage tour is seasonal, usually operating from April to October.
- The terrain is mostly flat, but there are some slight inclines in places (approx. 70–80 m elevation gain), so it is worth bringing comfortable clothing and water.
- The route is ideal for a full, active day for families, friends or even smaller groups.